The release of the Color Connection quilt pattern has been a long time coming. I’m thrilled that it’s finally available as a PDF download. This pattern is another big achievement for me as I taught myself how to use the laser cutter so that I could offer a limited number of acrylic template sets.

The Original Quilt

I created the original version of the quilt in the Fall of 2021. Since that time, I have worked on the pattern in fits and starts. The original quilt has also traveled a great deal in the past year, appearing at several quilt shows and winning some blue ribbons along the way.

Colorful, modern quilt with a blue ribbon award laying on top — *Original Color Connection quilt with one of its blue ribbon awards from QuiltFest*

Color Connection was the result of an exploration of color, contrast and shape. It started with an idea about creating interlocking curves. I wondered how and if I could achieve the effect I wanted using traditional piecing. After many failed attempts, I figured out a construction method that yielded consistent results.

I choose a mix of shot cotton and quilting cotton for the original because I wanted to see how that changed the play of light and color value. I wanted to have subtle color and texture shifts. I think the real star of this quilt is Karen McTavish's quilting. It totally elevated the design and showcases the piecing.

*Detail of the quilting on Color Connection*

The Pattern Sample

Because the pattern scaled up the block size from the original version — to make sewing the curves easier — I wanted to sew a new sample of the quilt. For my sample quilt, I chose to make the Simple colorway and selected a fabrics from Paint Brush Studios. I used Painter’s Palette Solids in Cyan, Sea Glass, Honey, Pumpkin and Shortbread.

Trapped in a quilt top? Glad Hand Sews (a.k.a. Heather) and the Color Connection quilt top.

Tester Versions

Heather K.

Modern patchwork quilt with round shapes in shades of teal cascading across its surface. — Heather K. a.k.a. @fire4hairlady

I was so honored that Heather agreed to test the Color Connection quilt pattern. Hailing from Chicago, Heather has had a big impact on the modern quilting community. She runs quiltpatternmart.com and is a member and region 3 rep for the Modern Quilt Guild, as well as being on the Board of Directors where she is also the current President.

I actually got a chance to meet Heather in real life a few months ago when I went to the Iowa Quilt Museum to see the Midwest Modern exhibit that she curated—and we both had quilts featured.

The first time our paths crossed was during QuiltCon Together. My quilt won 2nd place in the Fabric Challenge, and Heather announced the award. I was so impressed and touched that she took the time to do a little research so that she could talk about my creative work.

Heather has been quilting for about 12 years but used to fill her time doing theatre. Now, she watches a lot of theater while quilting and spending time with her family.

Heather made the Throw size in the Gradient colorway of the Color Connection pattern.

Ashley

Modern patchwork quilt with round shapes in warm colors cascading across its surface. — Ashley a.k.a. @bluelilacquilts

I’ve wanted to collaborate with Ashley since I first started following her. So happy she agreed to test the Color Connection quilt pattern.

Her fabric pull for this pattern test is inspired by sunsets (she’s actually the second tester whose fabric pull is inspired by a sunset!) The dark background gives this quilt such a unique and modern look!

Ashley has been quilting for about 10 years and has been pattern testing for 4-5 of those years. That’s how I first started following her. The photos of her pattern tests are amazing. I highly recommend you give her a follow on Instagram.

Ashley is a fellow Omahan and she’s the secretary of the Omaha Modern Quilt Guild. Our guild counts on Ashley to keep us informed and excited about all the happenings in the guild.

She stays busy with 3 boys and is hoping that once they’re in school, she’ll get her sewjo back!

Ashley made the Crib size in the Gradient colorway of the pattern.

Farrah

Patchwork quilt in a neutral color palette hangs from a picket fence. — Farrah a.k.a. @farrah.handmade

Originally from Cleveland, OH, Farrah now lives in Tampa, FL, which might explain why her color palette inspiration is the sky at sunset.

Farrah has been quilting a bit over 2 years and is a self-proclaimed “pandemic quilter.” Quilting might be a recent hobby, but she’s been sewing for more than 30 years. She loves to test quilt patterns so that her piecing skills get better!

I first met Farrah last year when we both joined with a group of fellow Instagram quilters to design and sew a Community Quilt for QuiltCon last year. So glad to be collaborating with her again!

She’s a kindergarten teacher and the mother of a 6-year-old. Farrah says, “It’s all kids, all the time.😂”

Farrah made the Crib size in the Gradient colorway of the Color Connection quilt pattern.

Melissa

Modern patchwork quilt with round shapes in a rainbow of colors cascading across its surface. — Melissa a.k.a. @ifyoudontsew

Melissa agreed to test Color Connection because she was hoping the project would help her get her sewjo back. I think it worked!

Melissa started quilting 4 or 5 years ago when she saw a quilt on Pinterest that she needed to make for her daughter’s room. (Who hasn’t been sucked in by a Pin, right?)

With her goal in mind, Melissa taught herself to quilt and unlocked a major obsession. I can relate to this. Make one quilt and you’re hooked, right?

She’s got a great eye for color and has made so many enviable projects. Definitely recommend you give her a follow on Instagram!

Melissa made the Throw size in Gradient colorway of the quilt pattern.